At this stage of the season, you’re not likely to find every-down starters on the waiver wire unless an injury happens or someone loses their job.

In some cases your picking up free agents to fill immediate needs, such as a player on a bye, but you should also think about playing the long game and look at players who are primed to take on larger roles as the season wears on.

Injuries have paved the wave for a couple of tight ends to claim starting roles, while a few role players at running back and wide receiver surprised with strong performances in Week 5.

1. Mike Davis, RB, Seahawks

Don’t say I didn’t warn you. One game week after his best game of the season, Chris Carson sat out with a hip injury. What are they feeding these Seahawks running backs (or not feeding them)?

Rashaad Penny hasn’t been able to seize a starring role. Davis churned out 101 yards and two rushing touchdowns against the Cardinals and added 23 yards receiving. It’s very telling that Davis leapfrogged Penny in touches, but you also know how fickle the Seattle running back carousel can be.

Carson likely will return as the primary ball carrier when he’s healthy, but with the Seahawks’ backs, you usually can’t go wrong hedging your bets against that lasting for long.

2. Nyheim Hines, RB, Colts

Marlon Mack has been pretty much a rumor this season. Jordan Wilkins has shown himself to be a lead back. Hines isn’t either, but he has excelled in sort of a James White role for the Colts. Hines is owned in 13 percent of Yahoo leagues Sunday, and he’s a must-add in PPR leagues.

3. Geronimo Allison, WR, Packers

Allison had the second most targets (11) and 80 yards against the Bills, and he’s no worse than Aaron Rodgers’ third-favorite end zone target. Allison’s still owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues as of Sunday.

4. Nick Chubb, RB, Browns

Who says Chubb doesn’t have wheels? Touchdown runs of 63 and 41 yards say otherwise. Chubb’s 105 yards came on just three carries, and it’s likely he’s justified a greater share of touches at Carlos Hyde’s expense. A timeshare would come as no surprise, so it would be smart to stash Chubb or handcuff him to Hyde.

5. Taylor Gabriel, WR, Bears

Judging by the Bears’ blowout of the Buccaneers, Matt Nagy will hang his hat on speed when the opportunity presents itself, and Gabriel appears to be a big part of that. Gabriel saw seven targets and one carry in a variety of exotic plays. He turned them into 114 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. The Bears offense will lend itself to most of its skill players being streaky, but Gabriel’s worth a stash and play against weak pass defenses.

6. Ryan Grant, WR, Colts

T.Y. Hilton left Sunday’s game against the Texans twice, hurting his shoulder and hamstring. Early reports are that he’s a no-go on a short week with the Patriots game on Thursday. Grant, who has already seen 78 percent of snaps entering Week 4, could see more action, along with Chester Rogers.

7. Cameron Brate, TE, Buccaneers

O.J. Howard left the Bears game with a knee injury. He may have enough time to heal, but historically Brate has been one of Jameis Winston’s preferred weapons – if indeed Winston has reclaimed the role.

8. Donte Moncrief, WR, Jaguars

Moncrief can be hit or miss, but he is one of Blake Bortles’ biggest targets and turned in five catches for 109 yards and a score against a decent Jets secondary. He makes for a desperation flex play or streamer.

9. C.J. Uzomah, TE, Bengals

Unfortunately, Uzomah’s opportunity comes thanks to another devastating injury to Tyler Eifert, who was carted off Sunday with a broken ankle. Uzomah already flashed some playmaking ability with ascore in Week 3 and will get more work going forward, though he’ll have to share with Tyler Kroft.

10. Nick Vannett, TE, Seahawks

Everyone’s favorite sleeper tight end, Will Dissly, was carted off the field with a torn patellar tendon, leaving Vannett as Russell Wilson’s only other option at the position, barring any future roster moves.